Difference between revisions of "ODEPO FAQ"

From Creative Commons
Jump to: navigation, search
(How do I run a query?)
 
(24 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
== What is ODEPO (Open Database of Educational Projects and Organizations)? ==
 
== What is ODEPO (Open Database of Educational Projects and Organizations)? ==
  
ODEPO is a project of [http://learn.creativecommons.org ccLearn], the education division of [http://creativecommons.org Creative Commons]. Its aim is to enable networking among individuals and organizations involved in education, particularly those creating and expanding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_educational_resources open educational resources (OER)].  
+
ODEPO is a project of [http://creativecommons.org Creative Commons]. Its aim is to enable metrics, research, and discovery among individuals and organizations involved in online education, particularly those creating and expanding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_educational_resources open educational resources (OER)].  
  
This wiki provides an interactive archive of potential projects, programs, and organizations for (open) education. This means that, on some level, these websites curate their own educational resources, or point to places that do. We have also included some non-curatorial organizations, especially those involved in the open education movement, such as the [[William_and_Flora_Hewlett_Foundation | William and Flora Hewlett Foundation]]. Other websites are either highly informational, host online publications, or point to resources for research and higher education.
+
This wiki provides an open listing of projects, programs, and organizations for education. This means that, on some level, these websites curate their own educational resources, or point to places that do. Some non-curatorial organizations are included, especially those involved in the open education movement, such as the [[William_and_Flora_Hewlett_Foundation | William and Flora Hewlett Foundation]]. Other websites are either highly informational, host online publications, or point to resources for research and higher education.
 
 
Although not all of these projects are involved in open education, we hope that this wiki will provide an initial and discerning tool for those interested in collaborating within the movement. For more information about OER, please see [http://learn.creativecommons.org/resources/faq ccLearn's FAQ page].
 
  
 
== Where do I begin? ==
 
== Where do I begin? ==
The point of this database is to allow you (the educator, researcher, student or advocate) to find the projects, programs, and organizations appropriate to your needs. Therefore, we welcome you to first browse through our [[:Category:Organization#Browse_Organizations_by: | 1,000+ websites]]. Take a look at the information on the pages, and if you already have a wiki account with us, feel free to edit anything you find inaccurate or incomplete, adding additional description in the free text section if you feel you have helpful things to say about a particular resource.
+
The point of this database is to allow you (the educator, researcher, student or advocate) to find the projects, programs, and organizations appropriate to your needs. Therefore, we welcome you to first [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:BrowseData/Organization?_single browse] through 1,000+ pages. Take a look at the information on the pages, and if you have a wiki account with us, feel free to edit anything you find inaccurate or incomplete, adding additional description in the free text section if you feel you have helpful things to say about a particular resource.
  
 
== How do I contribute? ==
 
== How do I contribute? ==
Since this database is a community project, it will be fueled by your contributions and edits. It is set up in wiki format so you can add your own projects and give feedback on others'. If you don't already have a wiki account, you can [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/index.php?title=Special:Userlogin&type=signup&returnto=Main_Page  create] one. All you need is your full name and a valid email address.
+
Since this database is a community project, it is fueled by your contributions and edits. It is set up in wiki format so you can add your own projects and give feedback on others'. If you don't already have a wiki account, you can [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&type=signup&returnto=Main_Page  create] one. All you need is your full name and a valid email address.
  
 
After you have created an account and logged in, return to the [[ODEPO | ODEPO home page]]. From there, you can access the FAQ again, or immediately start browsing our database.  
 
After you have created an account and logged in, return to the [[ODEPO | ODEPO home page]]. From there, you can access the FAQ again, or immediately start browsing our database.  
  
You can contribute by editing or adding projects, programs or organizations that you believe should be included in the database. We are particularly interested in projects and organizations engaged in open education and the creation of open educational resources (OER).  
+
You can contribute by editing or adding projects, programs or organizations that you believe should be included in the database. We are particularly interested in projects and organizations engaged in open education and the creation of open educational resources (OER).
 +
 
 +
'''To add a project:''' To add a project that doesn't already exist, you can use [[:Special:FormEdit/Organization|this form]]. Directions are on the form, and additional help can be found in this FAQ.
 +
 
 +
'''To edit a project:''' Simply browse to the page of the project you'd like to edit and click the red "Edit this data" link just beneath the page title.
  
 
We especially encourage you to edit existing pages, adding descriptions and helpful tips wherever you can. More information about adding and editing is provided below.
 
We especially encourage you to edit existing pages, adding descriptions and helpful tips wherever you can. More information about adding and editing is provided below.
Line 23: Line 25:
 
== How do I search for ==
 
== How do I search for ==
 
=== Projects and Organizations? ===
 
=== Projects and Organizations? ===
You can search for existing projects and organizations by [[:Category:Organization#Browse_Organizations_by: | browsing by alphabet]], or by entering the name in the "Search" box at the top right of every page. Note that this box searches the entire CC wiki, which includes more than just ODEPO's organizations. To see more information about this, go to [[#Additional Issues | Additional Issues]].
+
You can search for existing projects and organizations by [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:BrowseData/Organization?_single browsing by alphabet], or by entering the name in the wiki "search" box at the top of each page. Note that this box searches the entire CC Wiki, which includes more than just ODEPO's organizations.
  
 
=== Existing values? ===
 
=== Existing values? ===
On any given project/organization page, you will notice that all values are linked. See [[Creative Commons - ccLearn]] for an example. In the field column, all entries are in blue. This means they are linked to a search of all pages containing the specific value for that property. For instance, if you click on the value "nonprofit" under [[Property:Organization Type]], you will be directed to a page listing all organizations whose type is [[:Special:SearchByProperty/Organization_Type::nonprofit | nonprofit]]. The internal wiki link of this page is [[:Special:SearchByProperty/Organization_Type::nonprofit]]. But you don't have to worry about that—just click on any value to find other organizations with the same. It's that easy!
+
On any given project/organization page, you will notice that all values are linked. See [[Connexions]] for an example. In the field column, all entries are in blue. This means they are linked to a search of all pages containing the specific value for that property. For instance, if you click on the value "nonprofit" under [[Property:Organization Type]], you will be directed to a page listing all organizations whose type is [[:Special:SearchByProperty/Organization_Type::nonprofit | nonprofit]]. The internal wiki link of this page is [[:Special:SearchByProperty/Organization_Type::nonprofit]]. But you don't have to worry about that—just click on any value to find other organizations with the same. It's that easy!
  
 
=== Projects by more than one value? ===
 
=== Projects by more than one value? ===
Excellent question. Say you want to find all projects that are nonprofits AND licensed CC BY. Or you want to find all self-identified "open" sites that are CC licensed in some form or another. You can find either case—in addition to various combinations of different values—by [[#How_do_I_run_a_query.3F | running a query]] or more simply, by [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:BrowseData/Organization?_single browsing the interface].
+
Say you want to find all projects that are nonprofits AND licensed CC BY. Or you want to find all self-identified "open" sites that are CC licensed in some form or another. You can find either case—in addition to various combinations of different values—by [[#How_do_I_run_a_query.3F | running a query]] or more simply, by using the [http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:BrowseData/Organization?_single browsing interface].
  
 
=== Browse Interface ===
 
=== Browse Interface ===
Line 37: Line 39:
 
Running a query is pretty simple. You've just got to remember a few key things like property and property values. The property is stuff like Organization Type, License provider, etc.—basically the names of the fields you want to fill. The value is what you put into those fields; for instance, Organization Type might be "nonprofit" or "corporation".
 
Running a query is pretty simple. You've just got to remember a few key things like property and property values. The property is stuff like Organization Type, License provider, etc.—basically the names of the fields you want to fill. The value is what you put into those fields; for instance, Organization Type might be "nonprofit" or "corporation".
  
The [[Special:Ask | query page]] consists of two columns: "Query" and "Additional printouts". In the "Query" column you always want to put <nowiki>"[[Category::Organization]]"</nowiki> because all ODEPO projects fall under the organization category. <nowiki>See http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:Ask?title=Special%3AAsk&q=[[Category%3A%3AOrganization]]&po=&sort0=&order0=ASC&sc=1&eq=yes. </nowiki>This link runs a query to list all pages with category of organization. So far, 1,000 plus organizations are in the database.
+
The [[Special:Ask | query page]] consists of two columns: "Query" and "Additional printouts". In the "Query" column you always want to put <nowiki>"[[Category::Organization]]"</nowiki> because all ODEPO projects fall under the organization category. See <nowiki>http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:Ask?title=Special%3AAsk&q=[[Category%3A%3AOrganization]]&po=&sort0=&order0=ASC&sc=1&eq=yes</nowiki>. This link runs a query to list all pages with category of organization.
  
 
You can further limit the query by property and property value. Just like you enclosed "Category::Organization" in brackets, you can enclose "License provider::CC" in brackets, or "Organization Type::nonprofit" and etc.  
 
You can further limit the query by property and property value. Just like you enclosed "Category::Organization" in brackets, you can enclose "License provider::CC" in brackets, or "Organization Type::nonprofit" and etc.  
  
The right column ("Additional printouts") is for what you want to see listed of each project. If you want to see organizations listed by property value, then you would put ?Property:Value. For instance, if you want to see which organizations have CC as their license provider, you would put "?License provider:CC". Or if you just want all organizations listed by all license providers, you would just put "?License provider". And so on.
+
The right column ("Additional printouts") is for what you want to see listed of each project. If you want to see organizations listed by property values, you would put "?Property". For instance, if you want to see all organizations listed by their license providers, you would put "?License provider".
  
Try messing around with it first. You should catch on pretty quickly. If you're still having trouble, see [http://semantic-mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Semantic_search querying help] on the semantic mediawiki how-to site.
+
See [http://semantic-mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Semantic_search querying help] on the Semantic MediaWiki how-to site.
  
 
== Adding a project or organization ==
 
== Adding a project or organization ==
 
'''Does this organization already exist?'''<br/>
 
'''Does this organization already exist?'''<br/>
Since we have over 1,000 organizations stored in our database, it just might. To avoid duplicate pages, search for the organization or web site title to see if it is already in our archive at [[:Category:Organization]]. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order for easy browsing. You can also search for the organization in the search box at the top of the page to the right.
+
Since we have over 1,000 organizations stored in our database, it just might. To avoid duplicate pages, search for the organization or web site title to see if it is already in our archive at [[:Category:Organization]]. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order for easy browsing. You can also search for the organization in the search box to the left.
  
 
'''Nope, it doesn't exist. How do I add it?'''<br/>
 
'''Nope, it doesn't exist. How do I add it?'''<br/>
Great. Go to [[Form:Organization]] and type its name in this format:
+
Great. Go to [[Special:FormEdit/Organization]] and type its name in this format:
  
 
"Organization name" - "Project or Website name"
 
"Organization name" - "Project or Website name"
Line 60: Line 62:
 
If there isn't a separate title for the site, just put the organization name.
 
If there isn't a separate title for the site, just put the organization name.
  
'''Question 1: Should I enter it in exactly this format, with the space after the name, then dash, then space, then name again?'''<br/>
+
'''Question: What about the abbreviation? Do I have to put one?'''<br/>
Yes.
 
 
 
'''Question 2: What about the abbreviation? Do I have to put one?'''<br/>
 
 
Only if it is a popular abbreviation. If it is (like PLoS), put the abbreviation in parentheses after the organization's full name. This will ensure greater searchability of the organization. For instance, NASA shows up: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
 
Only if it is a popular abbreviation. If it is (like PLoS), put the abbreviation in parentheses after the organization's full name. This will ensure greater searchability of the organization. For instance, NASA shows up: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  
 
'''I am ready to add my organization!'''<br/>
 
'''I am ready to add my organization!'''<br/>
If you are satisfied with the titling of your project, go ahead and enter it at [[Form:Organization]].  Later, this will show up as the page name in big, bold letters at the top, so it is important that it is accurate and identifiable. If a page with that name already exists, you will be sent to a form to edit that page.
+
If you are satisfied with the titling of your project, go ahead and enter it at [[Special:FormEdit/Organization]].  Later, this will show up as the page name in big, bold letters at the top, so it is important that it is accurate and identifiable.
  
 
== Editing or adding information ==
 
== Editing or adding information ==
When adding a project, you will automatically be directed to a form with ten fields for you to populate.  
+
When adding a project, you will automatically be directed to a form with fields for you to populate.  
  
When you want to edit a project, always click "edit with form" from the right-hand column of the page. This will direct you to the same form, and make it much easier for you to edit information.
+
When you want to edit a project, always click "edit with form" at the top of the page. This will direct you to the same form, and make it much easier for you to edit information.
  
'''What are the ten fields?'''<br/>
+
'''The organization/project name is wrong; how do I change it?'''<br/>
The ten fields are actually nine properties and a free text field whose value (what you enter in the field) is for you to determine. The ten fields are:
+
To correct the name, which is also the title of the page, you must move the page to fall under a different title. This way, all data will be redirected to a new page without losing followers of the old page. Click the "Move" link at the top. There, you will find instructions on how to move the page to a new title. When formatting the name, remember the guidelines from above.
 +
 
 +
'''What are the fields?'''<br/>
 +
The fields are actually properties and a free text field whose value (what you enter in the field) is for you to determine. The current fields are:
  
 
[[Property:Affiliation | Affiliation]]<br/>
 
[[Property:Affiliation | Affiliation]]<br/>
 +
[[Property:Location | Location]]<br/>
 
[[Property:Mainurl | Main url]]<br/>
 
[[Property:Mainurl | Main url]]<br/>
[[Property:Resource URL | Resource url]]<br/>
+
[[Property:Resource URL | Resource URL]]<br/>
[[Property:Tag | Tags]]<br/>
+
[[Property:Tag | Tag]]<br/>
[[Property:Organization Type | Organization type]]<br/>
+
[[Property:Organization Type | Organization Type]]<br/>
[[Property:Open or Free Statement | Open or free statement]]<br/>
+
[[Property:Open or Free Statement | Open or Free Statement]]<br/>
 
[[Property:License provider | License provider]]<br/>
 
[[Property:License provider | License provider]]<br/>
 
[[Property:License short name | License short name]]<br/>
 
[[Property:License short name | License short name]]<br/>
Line 93: Line 96:
  
 
'''Can I add more fields?'''<br/>
 
'''Can I add more fields?'''<br/>
You can pretty much do whatever you want—as long as you know how. If you aren't familiar with Semantic MediaWiki outside of this FAQ, I would avoid making any changes right now. Instead, read up on Semantic MediaWiki (http://semantic-mediawiki.org) and Mediawiki (http://www.mediawiki.org), which is what SMW is based on. You'll find FAQ's and user manuals there. In the meantime, we'll work on creating an easier way for you to add a field!
+
You can pretty much do whatever you want—as long as you know how. If you aren't familiar with Semantic MediaWiki outside of this FAQ, avoid making structural changes. Instead, read up on Semantic MediaWiki (http://semantic-mediawiki.org) and Mediawiki (http://www.mediawiki.org), which is the extension to MediaWiki that ODEPO uses. You'll find FAQ's and user manuals there.
 
 
== Additional Issues ==
 
'''Some pages have two info boxes: "Organization Information" and "Content Directory". Why is this?'''<br/>
 
One example of this is [[China_Open_Resources_for_Education_(CORE)]]. If you go to this page, it will show you two boxes, one with a light blue header—Organization Information—and one with a green header—Content Directory. This occurs because ODEPO's database is included in the general Creative Commons wiki. If you are specifically looking for organizations within our database, don't worry about the green box. All the information you need is under "Organization Information".
 
 
 
'''But when I run a search, how do I know the page I get is part of ODEPO, and not just part of the larger wiki?'''<br/>
 
As noted above, any project in our database will have a box with the light blue header. If it shows up in any other form, you can assume it is part of the larger CC wiki.
 
  
 +
<!--== Additional Issues ==
 
'''What is the weird box that says "Facts about ___" on the home and property pages?'''<br/>
 
'''What is the weird box that says "Facts about ___" on the home and property pages?'''<br/>
 
If you don't already know, I wouldn't worry about it. It does not affect the networking function of ODEPO; and for those interested, it provides an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RDF_feed RDF feed]. To find out more go to Semantic MediaWiki's [http://semantic-mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Browsing_interfaces#The_Factbox browsing interfaces] page.
 
If you don't already know, I wouldn't worry about it. It does not affect the networking function of ODEPO; and for those interested, it provides an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RDF_feed RDF feed]. To find out more go to Semantic MediaWiki's [http://semantic-mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Browsing_interfaces#The_Factbox browsing interfaces] page.
 +
-->

Latest revision as of 19:47, 10 June 2010

ODEPO Home :: Browse ODEPO


What is ODEPO (Open Database of Educational Projects and Organizations)?

ODEPO is a project of Creative Commons. Its aim is to enable metrics, research, and discovery among individuals and organizations involved in online education, particularly those creating and expanding open educational resources (OER).

This wiki provides an open listing of projects, programs, and organizations for education. This means that, on some level, these websites curate their own educational resources, or point to places that do. Some non-curatorial organizations are included, especially those involved in the open education movement, such as the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Other websites are either highly informational, host online publications, or point to resources for research and higher education.

Where do I begin?

The point of this database is to allow you (the educator, researcher, student or advocate) to find the projects, programs, and organizations appropriate to your needs. Therefore, we welcome you to first browse through 1,000+ pages. Take a look at the information on the pages, and if you have a wiki account with us, feel free to edit anything you find inaccurate or incomplete, adding additional description in the free text section if you feel you have helpful things to say about a particular resource.

How do I contribute?

Since this database is a community project, it is fueled by your contributions and edits. It is set up in wiki format so you can add your own projects and give feedback on others'. If you don't already have a wiki account, you can create one. All you need is your full name and a valid email address.

After you have created an account and logged in, return to the ODEPO home page. From there, you can access the FAQ again, or immediately start browsing our database.

You can contribute by editing or adding projects, programs or organizations that you believe should be included in the database. We are particularly interested in projects and organizations engaged in open education and the creation of open educational resources (OER).

To add a project: To add a project that doesn't already exist, you can use this form. Directions are on the form, and additional help can be found in this FAQ.

To edit a project: Simply browse to the page of the project you'd like to edit and click the red "Edit this data" link just beneath the page title.

We especially encourage you to edit existing pages, adding descriptions and helpful tips wherever you can. More information about adding and editing is provided below.

How do I search for

Projects and Organizations?

You can search for existing projects and organizations by browsing by alphabet, or by entering the name in the wiki "search" box at the top of each page. Note that this box searches the entire CC Wiki, which includes more than just ODEPO's organizations.

Existing values?

On any given project/organization page, you will notice that all values are linked. See Connexions for an example. In the field column, all entries are in blue. This means they are linked to a search of all pages containing the specific value for that property. For instance, if you click on the value "nonprofit" under Property:Organization Type, you will be directed to a page listing all organizations whose type is nonprofit. The internal wiki link of this page is Special:SearchByProperty/Organization_Type::nonprofit. But you don't have to worry about that—just click on any value to find other organizations with the same. It's that easy!

Projects by more than one value?

Say you want to find all projects that are nonprofits AND licensed CC BY. Or you want to find all self-identified "open" sites that are CC licensed in some form or another. You can find either case—in addition to various combinations of different values—by running a query or more simply, by using the browsing interface.

Browse Interface

This is the easiest way to delimit by property. The browse interface gives you a quick snapshot of the number of values under each property. You can then click on any desired property value and it will show only those organizations with the clicked value. Continue clicking and you'll see what I mean. For instance, if you click "yes" for Open or Free Statement, it will delimit organizations by those that have an open or free statement. Then if you click "nonprofit" under Organization Type, it will further delimit the organizations by those that are nonprofits, and so on. The browse interface also lists all projects and organizations alphabetically, after the property values.

How do I run a query?

Running a query is pretty simple. You've just got to remember a few key things like property and property values. The property is stuff like Organization Type, License provider, etc.—basically the names of the fields you want to fill. The value is what you put into those fields; for instance, Organization Type might be "nonprofit" or "corporation".

The query page consists of two columns: "Query" and "Additional printouts". In the "Query" column you always want to put "[[Category::Organization]]" because all ODEPO projects fall under the organization category. See http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Special:Ask?title=Special%3AAsk&q=[[Category%3A%3AOrganization]]&po=&sort0=&order0=ASC&sc=1&eq=yes. This link runs a query to list all pages with category of organization.

You can further limit the query by property and property value. Just like you enclosed "Category::Organization" in brackets, you can enclose "License provider::CC" in brackets, or "Organization Type::nonprofit" and etc.

The right column ("Additional printouts") is for what you want to see listed of each project. If you want to see organizations listed by property values, you would put "?Property". For instance, if you want to see all organizations listed by their license providers, you would put "?License provider".

See querying help on the Semantic MediaWiki how-to site.

Adding a project or organization

Does this organization already exist?
Since we have over 1,000 organizations stored in our database, it just might. To avoid duplicate pages, search for the organization or web site title to see if it is already in our archive at Category:Organization. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order for easy browsing. You can also search for the organization in the search box to the left.

Nope, it doesn't exist. How do I add it?
Great. Go to Special:FormEdit/Organization and type its name in this format:

"Organization name" - "Project or Website name"

For example, if the educational web page is titled "Biology" and your organization is the "Public Library of Science," you would put:

Public Library of Science (PLoS) - Biology

If there isn't a separate title for the site, just put the organization name.

Question: What about the abbreviation? Do I have to put one?
Only if it is a popular abbreviation. If it is (like PLoS), put the abbreviation in parentheses after the organization's full name. This will ensure greater searchability of the organization. For instance, NASA shows up: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

I am ready to add my organization!
If you are satisfied with the titling of your project, go ahead and enter it at Special:FormEdit/Organization. Later, this will show up as the page name in big, bold letters at the top, so it is important that it is accurate and identifiable.

Editing or adding information

When adding a project, you will automatically be directed to a form with fields for you to populate.

When you want to edit a project, always click "edit with form" at the top of the page. This will direct you to the same form, and make it much easier for you to edit information.

The organization/project name is wrong; how do I change it?
To correct the name, which is also the title of the page, you must move the page to fall under a different title. This way, all data will be redirected to a new page without losing followers of the old page. Click the "Move" link at the top. There, you will find instructions on how to move the page to a new title. When formatting the name, remember the guidelines from above.

What are the fields?
The fields are actually properties and a free text field whose value (what you enter in the field) is for you to determine. The current fields are:

Affiliation
Location
Main url
Resource URL
Tag
Organization Type
Open or Free Statement
License provider
License short name
License
and finally, the free text field (Notes about this resource...).

On the form, you will notice that these terms are linked to their property pages. These pages provide information about the properties and address questions about what to put in the fields. Go ahead and hover your mouse over each one and click for more information.

When it comes to the free text field ("Notes about this resource..."), we encourage you to type in a description of your project. See Creative Commons - ccLearn for an example. You can also add description on other pages and even comment on issues with a particular website.

Can I add more fields?
You can pretty much do whatever you want—as long as you know how. If you aren't familiar with Semantic MediaWiki outside of this FAQ, avoid making structural changes. Instead, read up on Semantic MediaWiki (http://semantic-mediawiki.org) and Mediawiki (http://www.mediawiki.org), which is the extension to MediaWiki that ODEPO uses. You'll find FAQ's and user manuals there.